New Montclair State Presidential Scholars Program Puts Students – and Jersey – in a Stronger State of Mind

Montclair State University is laser-focused on preparing students for real-world success. Beginning in fall 2018, its new Presidential Scholars Program will offer accomplished first-time freshmen a $5,000 scholarship, as well as access to special academic and career preparation opportunities.

“Our new Presidential Scholars Program invests in the intellectual growth and success of New Jersey’s youth, effectively building a ‘stronger state of mind’ in the Garden State,” says Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole. “As a newly designated public research university, we are intent on leveraging the capacity of the extensive educational programs and facilities we have built to advance our mission of serving the needs of New Jersey. By making our outstanding education accessible to the state’s most valuable resource – talented, motivated students – this dynamic new program allows the University to make a positive contribution to the state’s economic and social development.”

The Presidential Scholars program will give its graduates an enhanced academic experience, positioning them strategically for post-undergraduate success – whether that means continuing scholarly pursuits or directly entering the workforce. “We anticipate that Presidential Scholars will be highly diverse and among New Jersey’s most ambitious and determined young people who are looking to maximize their college experience, explore opportunities and gain every possible advantage,” explains Director of Undergraduate Admissions Jeffrey Indiveri-Gant. “This program encourages them to put a stake in New Jersey ground and establish themselves as the next generation of leaders and professionals.”

A New Jersey applicant who has achieved a 3.5 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale in a rigorous course of high school study that includes, for example, additional years of math, science and world language, AP or IB courses, or courses for college credit – will be automatically eligible for consideration.

All first-time freshman Presidential Scholars who maintain program academic standards will receive a $5,000 scholarship for each of four years of full-time study at Montclair State – for a potential total award of $20,000.

“The biggest benefit, beyond the financial support, is that the program will provide students with an intentional, guided path through high-impact educational experiences across all four years of their undergraduate study,” says Indiveri-Gant. These experiences may include opportunities to conduct undergraduate research for credit, hands-on internships and a host of workshops, seminars, and co-curricular programs and services developed to prepare them for personal and professional success.

Like all students, Presidential Scholars will study with the University’s world-class faculty in state-of-the-art facilities that include the new School of Communication and Media; the cutting-edge Center for Environmental and Life Sciences; and the high-tech home of the Feliciano School of Business.

“Providing an excellent and well-rounded education is what Montclair State does best. It’s important for the University to be accessible to all qualified students,” says Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Karen L. Pennington. “We want to serve as a catalyst for the success of students who have worked hard, taken rigorous courses and who have strong ambitions.”